Denmark's Aalborg Airport Closed After Drone Sightings, Marking Second Incident This Week

Denmark's Aalborg Airport suspended operations on Wednesday night after multiple drones were observed in its airspace, according to local police. This incident follows a similar disruption at Copenhagen Airport earlier this week.

Northern Jutland police reported that more than one drone, flying with lights on, was sighted near Aalborg Airport around 9:44 p.m. local time. The drones remained in the area during a press briefing at 12:05 a.m. on Thursday. Authorities could not specify the type of drones or confirm if they were the same as those seen over Copenhagen Airport on Monday. "It is too early to say what the goal of the drones is and who is the actor behind," a police official stated, adding that efforts would be made to neutralize the drones if possible.

The closure affected both commercial flights and military operations, as Aalborg Airport also serves as a military base. The Danish armed forces are assisting local and national police with the investigation but have declined to comment further.

This marks the second major Danish airport to be affected by drone incidents this week. On Monday, Copenhagen Airport was shut down for nearly four hours after multiple drones were spotted in its airspace. Danish authorities have linked these incidents to a series of suspected Russian drone incursions and other disruptions across Europe. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen described the Copenhagen incident as "the most serious attack yet on its critical infrastructure" and indicated that Russian involvement could not be ruled out.

Authorities in Norway also closed the airspace at Oslo Airport for three hours on Monday evening after a drone was observed. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented that the drones disrupting flights at Copenhagen Airport were part of a "pattern of persistent contestation at our borders."

Danish police are investigating the incidents in cooperation with national intelligence services, the armed forces, and international authorities. They have received numerous reports of drone sightings across the country since Monday. National police commissioner Thorkild Fogde noted that while many reports may not be of interest, "some of them do, and I think the one in Aalborg does."

As of now, there is no immediate danger to passengers at Aalborg Airport or residents in the area. Three flights have been diverted to other airports due to the closure.